Shocking video of shameless thief posing as he steals iPhone from woman's bag on train

POLICE are hunting a brazen thief who posed for a photograph after stealing a mobile phone from a woman’s handbag on a train.

The snap was taken by angry commuter Matt Parker, 31, who filmed the astonishing incident during an angry exchange with the teenage crook.

Mr Parker, a mathematician who works part time at Queen Mary, University of London, said he was outraged when he witnessed the theft on a late night train.

Do you recognise this man who was caught stealing an iPhone?

He said yesterday:”I was just appalled when I saw him pull the phone out of the bag.

“He didn’t care that people were looking at him and I started filming him.

"He said 'Go ahead.’ He just didn’t care. I got really angry and started shouting but he just ignored me.

“I supposed I was risking a physical confrontation but I was very cross. I certainly never intended to restrain him.

“The train pulled into a station and he calmly got off with his bicycle and disappeared into the night.”

Matt, who was returning home from London’s West End was travelling on the Waterloo to Guildford train when he noticed a young woman leave the train at Surbiton without her handbag.

A few minutes later a mobile in the bag started ringing.

Matt went on:”I answered it and it was the lady’s worried boyfriend. I told him I would leave the bag at Guildford train station.

“Then, a few minutes later, the thief walked over and calmly rifled the bag and took the phone.

“It was unbelievable. I was recently mugged for my phone, and I have friends who’ve had their phones stolen.

Matt Parker was proclaimed a 'hero' by the victim of the theft

“Naturally, I’ve already re-played the whole thing in my head countless times, but I’m happy that I didn’t resort to physically stopping him, or kicking his bike etc.

"If someone was defending my lost phone, I wouldn’t want them to risk violence. But I’m kicking myself for not moving sooner or putting the bag somewhere safer. So yeah: lots of yelling, all of it ineffectual. I did hand the bag in at Guildford, with a note inside explaining what happened and my email address.”

The victim, 34-year-old Deonne Farquharson said last night:”Matt was a hero. It was wonderful that he stood up to this guy. I am glad no one got hurt and I just hope the thief gets caught.”

Ms Farquharson, who works in finance, added:”Thankfully I only lost my new phone. I managed to get back by bag, keys, credit cards, and cash thanks to Matt.

“I am so grateful to him.”

Police are now seeking the thief who got off the train at Weybridge, Surrey.

Detective Sergeant Daren Bates, of British Transport Police said: “We would like to thank Mr Parker for bringing this to our attention and pay tribute to his quick-thinking in capturing the man’s actions on video.

“The incident is being investigated and we will do all we can to identify the man responsible for this very shameless and brazen theft.

“If you recognise the man pictured in the image, or have any information that could assist our investigation, we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 and quote reference B13/LSA of 7/2/12.